Kaohsiung Man Detained for Drug Driving and Multiple Violations, Faces Over NT$130,000 in Fines

(Central News Agency reporter Hong Xueguang, Kaohsiung, 9th) A man surnamed Jiang in Kaohsiung was stopped by the Gushan Police Station for a series of traffic violations while riding a scooter. A rapid saliva drug screening test returned positive, and police arrested him on the spot, seizing a bag of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The case was sent for prosecution on charges of violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and public endangerment, and the Kaohsiung District Court ordered his detention.

The Kaohsiung City Police Department's Gushan Branch was on patrol duty around 7 p.m. recently when, on Bo'ai 1st Road Lane 433, they observed 53-year-old Jiang failing to use his turn signal while turning, crossing a double yellow line to drive against traffic, running a red light while turning right, and driving in an unstable manner. They therefore stopped him for inspection.

The Gushan Branch stated today that during the stop, police discovered Jiang's driver's license had already been revoked. Jiang told officers he had just completed a drug rehabilitation course the day before and asked for leniency. However, the officers were unmoved and administered a saliva drug screening test, which showed a positive reaction for drugs. He was arrested on the spot, and police seized one bag of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

After questioning, the case was transferred to the prosecutor's office on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and public endangerment. The Kaohsiung District Court ordered his detention. Jiang's continuous violations while driving a heavy scooter, including drug driving, driving into oncoming traffic lanes, failing to use turn signals, running a red light while turning right, and driving with a revoked license, could result in a maximum fine of NT$133,200. Police have issued citations accordingly. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150609